Guidelines for Participant Debriefing
After interview has been completed:
1. Acknowledge that talking about the abuse may produce emotional distress for the woman:
“People sometimes have strong emotional reactions in the first few days after they have talked about
the abuse they have experienced”
2. Reinforce that this is a stress reaction that is completely normal. It does not imply that she is
crazy or weak.
3. Review the signs of stress reaction using the handout (attached).
4. Review the things that may help her deal with the signs of a stress reaction should they occur (see handout).
5. Ensure that she has someone with whom she can talk about her experiences (family members, friends or
professionals). If she has no one to turn to, offer information about professional support (with the woman’s
permission).
6. If it is safe to do so, provide a copy of the handout for the woman to keep.
Common Signs of a Stress Reaction
Physical
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Weakness
Palpitations
Sweating
difficulty breathing
chest pain
Emotional
fear
guilt
panic
anxiety
irritability
grief
anger
loss of control
Cognitive
Confusion
nightmares
hypervigilance
poor concentration
forgetfulness
disorientation
intrusive images
suspiciousness
Behavioural
withdrawal
restlessness
loss of appetite
insomnia
increased appetite
increased sleep
changes in activity increased
alcohol use
What might help?
Do things that make you feel good such as:
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Physical exercise alternated with rest
Relaxation exercises
Listening to music
Eating well balanced, nourishing meals
Keeping busy: structure your time
Be aware that numbing the pain with alcohol /drugs will complicate things
Allowing yourself to feel rotten, and sharing your feelings with others
Keeping a journal
Talking to people: talk is the most healing medicine
Reaching out to others and spending time with them
Developed by Long-Term Health Effects of Woman Abuse Research Consortium (2005)
For permission to use contact: Dr. Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, Professor, School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario
Phone: 519-661-2111 x 86603
Email: mfordg@uwo.ca